'Crucial moment' in Ukraine crisis

Foreign Secretary William Hague has warned the crisis in Ukraine is at a "crucial moment" after local government forces retook an airport from pro-Moscow militia.

He spoke as tensions reached boiling point in the east of the country after Ukrainian troops, to the sound of gunfire, regained control of a small airport near Kramatorsk from pro-Russian separatists.

It was the first military intervention since interim president Oleksandr Turchynov announced an "anti-terrorist operation" to take back buildings seized by pro-Russian groups in eastern Ukraine.

Unconfirmed reports from Russian state television said between four and 11 people were killed at Kramatorsk while Ukrainian armoured personnel carriers, helicopters, and military vehicles have been seen amassing north of Slovyansk, another flashpoint.

With talks due to take place in Geneva on Thursday between Russia, Ukraine, the United States and the European Union, Mr Hague warned Moscow it is in danger of making a "grave miscalculation" in the crisis sparked by the overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovych in February.

Mr Hague said his annual Mansion House speech in the City of London: "In recent days Russia has deliberately pushed Ukraine to the brink, and created a still greater risk of violent confrontation. We call on Russia to stop these actions and to condemn the lawless acts in eastern Ukraine.

"Russia must choose whether it is open to diplomacy and de-escalation, and if it decides otherwise, we must be ready for a different state of relations with Russia in the next 10 years than in the last 20.

"Ukraine can be a bridge between East and West and be able to have good relations with Russia. But that does not entitle Russia to send in its armed groups, thinly disguised, to spearhead the occupation of buildings in multiple Ukrainian cities, to try permanently to destabilise the country and dictate the terms of its constitution.

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"My message to Moscow is that if anyone thinks they can do these things without serious long-term consequences they are making a grave miscalculation."

With pro-Moscow activists continuing to occupy a string of police stations and other public buildings across eastern Ukraine, Mr Hague said Russia is already paying a "severe price" for its actions.

More than 63 billion dollars (£38 billion) in capital has already left the country "as investors draw their own conclusions" about the economic implications, while the EU is preparing a package of far-reaching economic sanctions in the event of any further escalation.

European countries are now much more likely to take action to reduce their dependence on Russian energy supplies, he said, while Moscow's actions have only served to strengthen Nato unity.

At the same time President Vladimir Putin is undermining his own ambition to lock Russia's neighbours into its economic and political orbit by showing the dangers of relying on a "bullying neighbour" with no respect for the sovereignty of others.

Mr Hague said: "In all these areas the Russian government is now at risk of undermining its own influence, and steadily disconnecting Russia from the international community.

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"The Russian people stand to lose most of all, if their government continues on this path of the destabilisation of Ukraine."

Chippy70, I presume that you have heard of the Ukraine, know where it is and know all about the current problems that Russia has confronted it with, I also presume you know what worldwide problems the whole of mankind will be confronted with if Putin is not stopped and is allowed to resurrect the old USSR because this certainly seems to be his ambition. Putin and his close followers and those who give him their support and loyalty do not belong in civilized circles and if the EU and the west generally do not show the world what he is, a downright lying and war mongering thug then we do not deserve to call ourselves civilized. The Ukrainians deserve what we have in the west, freedom and liberty under the rule of law - Putin knows nothing about these issues and still thinks he can act and run a country like his forerunner, Stalin. We should not let him get away with it, the snag is, our hands are tied until the whole of NATO stands together as one huge military alliance and confronts every provocation he throws at us.

Chippy70, I presume that you have heard of the Ukraine, know where it is and know all about the current problems that Russia has confronted it with, I also presume you know what worldwide problems the whole of mankind will be confronted with if Putin is not stopped and is allowed to resurrect the old USSR because this certainly seems to be his ambition. Putin and his close followers and those who give him their support and loyalty do not belong in civilized circles and if the EU and the west generally do not show the world what he is, a downright lying and war mongering thug then we do not deserve to call ourselves civilized. The Ukrainians deserve what we have in the west, freedom and liberty under the rule of law - Putin knows nothing about these issues and still thinks he can act and run a country like his forerunner, Stalin. We should not let him get away with it, the snag is, our hands are tied until the whole of NATO stands together as one huge military alliance and confronts every provocation he throws at us.Shropshirelad

Chippy70, I presume that you have heard of the Ukraine, know where it is and know all about the current problems that Russia has confronted it with, I also presume you know what worldwide problems the whole of mankind will be confronted with if Putin is not stopped and is allowed to resurrect the old USSR because this certainly seems to be his ambition. Putin and his close followers and those who give him their support and loyalty do not belong in civilized circles and if the EU and the west generally do not show the world what he is, a downright lying and war mongering thug then we do not deserve to call ourselves civilized. The Ukrainians deserve what we have in the west, freedom and liberty under the rule of law - Putin knows nothing about these issues and still thinks he can act and run a country like his forerunner, Stalin. We should not let him get away with it, the snag is, our hands are tied until the whole of NATO stands together as one huge military alliance and confronts every provocation he throws at us.

Score: -5

mixxer says...5:44pm Tue 15 Apr 14

Shropshirelad wrote…

Chippy70, I presume that you have heard of the Ukraine, know where it is and know all about the current problems that Russia has confronted it with, I also presume you know what worldwide problems the whole of mankind will be confronted with if Putin is not stopped and is allowed to resurrect the old USSR because this certainly seems to be his ambition. Putin and his close followers and those who give him their support and loyalty do not belong in civilized circles and if the EU and the west generally do not show the world what he is, a downright lying and war mongering thug then we do not deserve to call ourselves civilized. The Ukrainians deserve what we have in the west, freedom and liberty under the rule of law - Putin knows nothing about these issues and still thinks he can act and run a country like his forerunner, Stalin. We should not let him get away with it, the snag is, our hands are tied until the whole of NATO stands together as one huge military alliance and confronts every provocation he throws at us.

The only "downright lying and war mongering" is coming from the US and it's hand-rags such as Cameron and Hague. Are you totally blind to the systemic invasions and/or regime changes initiated by the US in recent years? Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, now Ukraine (and soon to follow Iran) are all part of the US's plan to gain control of the worlds energy resources. In future, to avoid demonstrating the ignorance and naivety of a 10 year old, educate yourself to the facts instead of listening to agenda driven liars such as Cameron and Hague!

[quote][p][bold]Shropshirelad[/bold] wrote:
Chippy70, I presume that you have heard of the Ukraine, know where it is and know all about the current problems that Russia has confronted it with, I also presume you know what worldwide problems the whole of mankind will be confronted with if Putin is not stopped and is allowed to resurrect the old USSR because this certainly seems to be his ambition. Putin and his close followers and those who give him their support and loyalty do not belong in civilized circles and if the EU and the west generally do not show the world what he is, a downright lying and war mongering thug then we do not deserve to call ourselves civilized. The Ukrainians deserve what we have in the west, freedom and liberty under the rule of law - Putin knows nothing about these issues and still thinks he can act and run a country like his forerunner, Stalin. We should not let him get away with it, the snag is, our hands are tied until the whole of NATO stands together as one huge military alliance and confronts every provocation he throws at us.[/p][/quote]The only "downright lying and war mongering" is coming from the US and it's hand-rags such as Cameron and Hague. Are you totally blind to the systemic invasions and/or regime changes initiated by the US in recent years? Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, now Ukraine (and soon to follow Iran) are all part of the US's plan to gain control of the worlds energy resources. In future, to avoid demonstrating the ignorance and naivety of a 10 year old, educate yourself to the facts instead of listening to agenda driven liars such as Cameron and Hague!mixxer

Shropshirelad wrote…

Chippy70, I presume that you have heard of the Ukraine, know where it is and know all about the current problems that Russia has confronted it with, I also presume you know what worldwide problems the whole of mankind will be confronted with if Putin is not stopped and is allowed to resurrect the old USSR because this certainly seems to be his ambition. Putin and his close followers and those who give him their support and loyalty do not belong in civilized circles and if the EU and the west generally do not show the world what he is, a downright lying and war mongering thug then we do not deserve to call ourselves civilized. The Ukrainians deserve what we have in the west, freedom and liberty under the rule of law - Putin knows nothing about these issues and still thinks he can act and run a country like his forerunner, Stalin. We should not let him get away with it, the snag is, our hands are tied until the whole of NATO stands together as one huge military alliance and confronts every provocation he throws at us.

The only "downright lying and war mongering" is coming from the US and it's hand-rags such as Cameron and Hague. Are you totally blind to the systemic invasions and/or regime changes initiated by the US in recent years? Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, now Ukraine (and soon to follow Iran) are all part of the US's plan to gain control of the worlds energy resources. In future, to avoid demonstrating the ignorance and naivety of a 10 year old, educate yourself to the facts instead of listening to agenda driven liars such as Cameron and Hague!

Score: 7

Shropshirelad says...6:48pm Tue 15 Apr 14

mixxer, or is it "mixed up", I suggest that you view Russian TV for a few seconds then you would not come out with such arrant nonsense. You plainly have no knowledge whatsoever what all the fuss is about in the Ukraine, neither do you appear to have any knowledge how this impacts on the world scene and international peace generally. Almost every country in the UN - except Russia itself has condemned that benighted country, now Russia will exercise it's veto to stop UN peacekeepers going in and you still condemn the west and side with Putin, poor person I wonder what you think of other important things.

mixxer, or is it "mixed up", I suggest that you view Russian TV for a few seconds then you would not come out with such arrant nonsense. You plainly have no knowledge whatsoever what all the fuss is about in the Ukraine, neither do you appear to have any knowledge how this impacts on the world scene and international peace generally. Almost every country in the UN - except Russia itself has condemned that benighted country, now Russia will exercise it's veto to stop UN peacekeepers going in and you still condemn the west and side with Putin, poor person I wonder what you think of other important things.Shropshirelad

mixxer, or is it "mixed up", I suggest that you view Russian TV for a few seconds then you would not come out with such arrant nonsense. You plainly have no knowledge whatsoever what all the fuss is about in the Ukraine, neither do you appear to have any knowledge how this impacts on the world scene and international peace generally. Almost every country in the UN - except Russia itself has condemned that benighted country, now Russia will exercise it's veto to stop UN peacekeepers going in and you still condemn the west and side with Putin, poor person I wonder what you think of other important things.

Score: -8

bmoc55 says...6:57pm Tue 15 Apr 14

The origins of the current situation in the Ukraine stems back to when a small army of demonstrators overthrew the lelgitimate President. Yes, he was unpopular and corrupt, but the way to change is through the ballot box not violence. The interim government then inflamed the situation threatening to downgrade the use of Russian language. The EU and US all connived to give moral support to the demonstrators because it suited their political aims. So Russia isn't the only bad guy in ths scenario.

The origins of the current situation in the Ukraine stems back to when a small army of demonstrators overthrew the lelgitimate President.
Yes, he was unpopular and corrupt, but the way to change is through the ballot box not violence.
The interim government then inflamed the situation threatening to downgrade the use of Russian language.
The EU and US all connived to give moral support to the demonstrators because it suited their political aims.
So Russia isn't the only bad guy in ths scenario.bmoc55

The origins of the current situation in the Ukraine stems back to when a small army of demonstrators overthrew the lelgitimate President. Yes, he was unpopular and corrupt, but the way to change is through the ballot box not violence. The interim government then inflamed the situation threatening to downgrade the use of Russian language. The EU and US all connived to give moral support to the demonstrators because it suited their political aims. So Russia isn't the only bad guy in ths scenario.

Score: 7

cj07589 says...8:48pm Tue 15 Apr 14

Hague the idiot, Russia couldn't care less the only ones who will be us plebes in higher GAS prices!

Hague the idiot, Russia couldn't care less the only ones who will be us plebes in higher GAS prices!cj07589

Hague the idiot, Russia couldn't care less the only ones who will be us plebes in higher GAS prices!

Score: 6

Crossbenchtory says...9:39pm Tue 15 Apr 14

Look out Mr Putin, Mr Hague is getting ready to waggle his finger at you. And if that doesn't work we all know what comes next, don't we ... That's right, he'll waggle his finger at you AGAIN!!!!!!! So there!!!!!!

Look out Mr Putin, Mr Hague is getting ready to waggle his finger at you. And if that doesn't work we all know what comes next, don't we ...
That's right, he'll waggle his finger at you AGAIN!!!!!!!
So there!!!!!!Crossbenchtory

Look out Mr Putin, Mr Hague is getting ready to waggle his finger at you. And if that doesn't work we all know what comes next, don't we ... That's right, he'll waggle his finger at you AGAIN!!!!!!! So there!!!!!!

Score: 4

mixxer says...11:45am Wed 16 Apr 14

Shropshirelad wrote…

mixxer, or is it "mixed up", I suggest that you view Russian TV for a few seconds then you would not come out with such arrant nonsense. You plainly have no knowledge whatsoever what all the fuss is about in the Ukraine, neither do you appear to have any knowledge how this impacts on the world scene and international peace generally. Almost every country in the UN - except Russia itself has condemned that benighted country, now Russia will exercise it's veto to stop UN peacekeepers going in and you still condemn the west and side with Putin, poor person I wonder what you think of other important things.

While you're spouting drivel straight out of mainstream media the Ukraine "government" sent troops to quell the pro-Russian protesters. Guess what? Large amounts have deserted to the side of the protesters! Obama, Kerry, Cameron, Hague etc. can thump tables as much as they like but the people of Ukraine don't want to be hijacked for US interests, they don't want their country's assets to be sold to US corporations (this happened within days of the coup) and they don't want to be governed by non-elected fascists.

[quote][p][bold]Shropshirelad[/bold] wrote:
mixxer, or is it "mixed up", I suggest that you view Russian TV for a few seconds then you would not come out with such arrant nonsense. You plainly have no knowledge whatsoever what all the fuss is about in the Ukraine, neither do you appear to have any knowledge how this impacts on the world scene and international peace generally. Almost every country in the UN - except Russia itself has condemned that benighted country, now Russia will exercise it's veto to stop UN peacekeepers going in and you still condemn the west and side with Putin, poor person I wonder what you think of other important things.[/p][/quote]While you're spouting drivel straight out of mainstream media the Ukraine "government" sent troops to quell the pro-Russian protesters. Guess what? Large amounts have deserted to the side of the protesters! Obama, Kerry, Cameron, Hague etc. can thump tables as much as they like but the people of Ukraine don't want to be hijacked for US interests, they don't want their country's assets to be sold to US corporations (this happened within days of the coup) and they don't want to be governed by non-elected fascists.mixxer

Shropshirelad wrote…

mixxer, or is it "mixed up", I suggest that you view Russian TV for a few seconds then you would not come out with such arrant nonsense. You plainly have no knowledge whatsoever what all the fuss is about in the Ukraine, neither do you appear to have any knowledge how this impacts on the world scene and international peace generally. Almost every country in the UN - except Russia itself has condemned that benighted country, now Russia will exercise it's veto to stop UN peacekeepers going in and you still condemn the west and side with Putin, poor person I wonder what you think of other important things.

While you're spouting drivel straight out of mainstream media the Ukraine "government" sent troops to quell the pro-Russian protesters. Guess what? Large amounts have deserted to the side of the protesters! Obama, Kerry, Cameron, Hague etc. can thump tables as much as they like but the people of Ukraine don't want to be hijacked for US interests, they don't want their country's assets to be sold to US corporations (this happened within days of the coup) and they don't want to be governed by non-elected fascists.

Score: 2

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